J.P. "Pistol" Court of Stafford had the honor of being the Fort Bend County "Sheriff For A Day," Wednesday, April 10.

Fort Bend County Sheriff Troy E. Nehls relinquished the title for one day to honor Court for his many years of service to Stafford, Fort Bend County and the law enforcement community.

Court was the second police chief in Bellaire in the 1950s and 1960s. He left law enforcement and entered the commercial carpet sales industry and has been one of Stafford's leading citizens for many years.

Nehls told a crowd of 40-plus friends and family members that Court, 83, arrived early Wednesday and received a tour of the facility, had his official ID made, received his badge and got his shoes shined.

"He is so nervous, but he could not be more pleased," Nehls said. "However, you all can feel safe knowing he is at the helm."

Nehls told Court and friends that this also may be a bit of a roast, and several friends took advantage of the opportunity.

Court, seated at the sheriff's desk, told the group he and the members of the Shipley Donuts Coffee Club meet each day with a goal of solving problems.

"We meet from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and the rules of membership are that you have to be at least 70 years old or have a high IQ. Ed Biles and I are on probation. Our club solves all problems brought to the table," Court said. "Troy, you and your staff are invited to bring your issues to us. Right now, we're bogged down with Washington."

Court said he had been fortunate to have been in law enforcement.

"It's been a number of years since I was a policeman, but I'll always be a policeman at heart," he said. "I was lucky to be an officer and chief of police in Bellaire."

Court's wife of 64 years, Betty, and their sons, Ronald and Gregory, attended as did Ronald's wife, Wendee. Gregory's wife, Kandy, was unable to attend.

Court noted that his late brother, J.C. "Buster" Court, was a survivor of the Bataan Death March in World War II and served as a constable in Fort Bend County for 30 years. The Stafford Police Station and main Fire Station are part of the J.C. "Buster" Court Safety Complex. J.C. Court's widow, Mildred, attended the April 10 program.

His cousin, Charles Court, said when J.P. goes anywhere, "everything's got to be in place."

"We all know him as an honest, upright citizen," Charles Court said. "And if I had to place my life in someone's hands and a serious decision had to be made, it would be J.P. Court."

J.P. Court thanked Nehls for the honor.

"I will never forget this day," Court told Nehls. "I've always considered myself to be a good judge of character, and we all have a lot of confidence in you."